Compare Dorothy Stringer School and King's School and Varndean School
Comparison of secondary schools: Dorothy Stringer School (Secondary) in Brighton; King's School (Secondary) in Hove; Varndean School (Secondary) in Brighton — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.
At a glance
This page compares Dorothy Stringer School, King's School and Varndean School. They are secondary phase and community school and free schools type located around Brighton, East Sussex and Hove. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Dorothy Stringer School), published Nov 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Dorothy Stringer School (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,350, combined total ≈ 4,050, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–20–25%; all within the Russell Education Trust trust.
| Attribute |
Dorothy Stringer School
BN1 6PZ
|
King's School
BN3 8BN
|
Varndean School
BN1 6NP
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase / Type | Secondary • Community school | Secondary • Free schools | Secondary • Community school |
| Location |
Brighton East Sussex BN1 6PZ |
Hove BN3 8BN |
Brighton East Sussex BN1 6NP |
| Latest Ofsted | 2 20 Nov 2023 | 2 25 May 2022 | 2 15 Nov 2022 |
| Ofsted report | — | — | — |
| Pupils (roll) | ≈ 1,650 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 900 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,500 🔒 Unlock exact pupils |
| FSM % | 20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % |
| Capacity | 1650 | 1050 | 1500 |
| Capacity utilisation | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Under capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % |
| Age range | — | — | — |
| Gender | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
| Admissions policy | Non-selective | Non-selective | Non-selective |
| Trust / Local authority | Brighton and Hove (846) | Russell Education Trust | Brighton and Hove (846) |
| Website | dorothy-stringer.co.uk | www.kingsschoolhove.org.uk | www.varndean.co.uk |
| Telephone | 01273852222 | 01273840004 | 01273561281 |
| SEN provision | None reported | None reported | None reported |
| Profile | View profile | View profile | View profile |
Dorothy Stringer School
BN1 6PZ
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Community school
- Location
- Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6PZ - Ofsted
- 2 20 Nov 2023
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,650 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Brighton and Hove (846)
- Website
- dorothy-stringer.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01273852222
King's School
BN3 8BN
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Free schools
- Location
- Hove
BN3 8BN - Ofsted
- 2 25 May 2022
- Pupils
- ≈ 900 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Russell Education Trust
- Website
- www.kingsschoolhove.org.uk
- Telephone
- 01273840004
Varndean School
BN1 6NP
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Community school
- Location
- Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 6NP - Ofsted
- 2 15 Nov 2022
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,500 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Brighton and Hove (846)
- Website
- www.varndean.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01273561281
Map of compared schools
How are these comparisons built?
We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date
when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.
What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?
Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it.
We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.
Why can’t I see exact numbers?
To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users.
Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.
How should I choose a school?
Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs.
Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s
admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.
What should I look for when comparing schools?
Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context;
scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority
for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.